NBC to broadcast 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials - Marathon

11/9/2011

NEW YORK and INDIANAPOLIS – The U.S. Olympic Committee, NBC, USA Track & Field, and the Houston Marathon Committee today announced the network will broadcast the U.S. Olympic Trials for the men’s and women’s marathon, to be held Saturday, January 14 in Houston.

“We’re thrilled to see NBC’s commitment to broadcast this historic event,” said USATF interim CEO Mike McNees. “With this being the first U.S. Olympic Team Trials Marathon where men and women compete on the same course, on the same day, it’s fitting that NBC will broadcast the event for all of America to see.”

NBC will broadcast two hours of same-day coverage from 3-5 p.m. ET. The comprehensive coverage will be the first time that both men’s and women’s Olympic Trials have been televised on the same day.

“We are pleased to kick off the 2012 Olympic Trials with the men’s and women’s marathon trials, an important beginning to a great year of Olympic Trials coverage.” said Gary Zenkel, President, NBC Olympics.

”The 2012 Olympic Games will feature the world’s greatest athletes on the largest stage possible,” said USOC Chief Marketing Officer Lisa Baird. “But first things first, we all get to watch America’s finest athletes compete for the right to be there. Team USA’s road to London will be filled with amazing moments in sport and inspirational tales we can’t even begin to imagine. Thanks to NBC’s commitment to the Olympic Movement, the American people will get to share in the excitement every step of the way.”

150 men and 194 women are currently qualified to run in the races that will determine the three men and three women who will represent the United States in the marathon at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.